| ext">North West Science and Technology has led | | | | are home to many knowledge-based companies in |
| to many cutting edge scientific breakthroughs, | | | | diverse industries ranging from providing education |
| such as Britain’s first aeroplane, the birth | | | | to Nuclear Energy and decommissioning. Strong |
| of the first test tube baby, splitting the atom, and | | | | links to universities as well as research institutes |
| the world’s first computer. Science and | | | | and centres of knowledge, in the UK and abroad, |
| Technology is continuing to develop rapidly in this | | | | help to ensure that Science and Technology in the |
| region, and many global brands, ranging from | | | | North West is second to none. |
| medical research to military aircraft have | | | | 7. Dedicated Strategic Science and Technology |
| significant research and design facilities in the | | | | sites have been set up throughout the North |
| North West. Over 25% of the region’s | | | | West, and Manchester is aiming to become one |
| £106 billion economy comes from Science and | | | | of the UK’s first six Science Cities by 2015. |
| Technology companies. | | | | Manchester Science Park is internationally |
| 1. North West universities play a key role in | | | | recognised as a centre of excellence, and is one |
| Science and Technology, and have a combined | | | | of the most successful of its kind. Tenants include |
| turnover of over £1.2 billion, almost 1% of the | | | | specialists in healthcare, telecoms, and digital |
| region’s total economy. Leading companies, | | | | media. |
| including those in the Aerospace Business, | | | | The Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, |
| automotive supply and manufacturing companies, | | | | near Warrington in Cheshire, is home to leading |
| nuclear energy and medical research are closely | | | | companies in diverse industries ranging from |
| linked to North West universities. More than | | | | healthcare research to business support services. |
| 50,000 North West students graduate every | | | | The nearby Daresbury Laboratory is one of the |
| year, including 25,000 with life science degrees. | | | | best-resourced science facilities in the UK. |
| Over 69,000 science students are trained every | | | | Liverpool Science Park, right in the centre of |
| year. | | | | Liverpool, is the fastest growing science park in |
| 2. The Aerospace Business in the North West has | | | | the UK, and contains computer games, website |
| a turnover of £6 billion, and is responsible for | | | | design and software companies as well as |
| producing military and commercial aircraft and | | | | solicitors specialising in intellectual property and |
| components which are used both in the UK and | | | | technology law. Speke, also in Liverpool, is home |
| exported worldwide. Extensive R&D programmes | | | | to the National Biomanufacturing Centre, which is |
| ensure that the latest technologies are available to | | | | set to become the leading biopaharmaceutical |
| create the most advanced planes in the world. | | | | design centre in Europe, and helps to create and |
| Countries all over the world rely on the North | | | | develop new medicines |
| West Aerospace Business for their military and | | | | West Cumbria Science Park, near Whitehaven, |
| commercial aircraft requirements | | | | has over 60 companies on site, ranging from |
| 3. The Chemistry Industry plays a vital role in the | | | | ecology to engineering, many of which are |
| North West, and sales of chemicals contribute | | | | involved in the Nuclear Energy Industry. |
| over £10 billion to the economy, equating to | | | | A Science Park in Lancaster is scheduled for |
| approximately 20% of the UK chemistry industry. | | | | development this year, and will be located close to |
| Approximately 220,000 people are employed in | | | | the top-ten ranked university. This exciting new |
| this sector. In 2005, the Department of Trade | | | | project will combine the renowned academic |
| and Industry announced that as part of the | | | | knowledge and resources of the University with |
| Technology Programme, one of the 19 new | | | | local businesses know-how and the Lancaster |
| Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) would be in | | | | Environment Centre. |
| Chemistry in the North West. KTNs help to share | | | | 8. With Manchester recently voted the most |
| knowledge and research between businesses, | | | | creative city in the UK, and Liverpool’s |
| academic institutions such as universities, and | | | | reputation as one of the leading cities for |
| trade associations. | | | | computer game design, the North West is at the |
| 4. The North West and Cumbria in particular, is | | | | forefront of new technologies as well as traditional |
| widely acknowledged as the centre of the UK | | | | Science and Technology. The use of ICT in |
| Nuclear Energy industry, and is home to the | | | | education, website design and internet |
| Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The research | | | | technologies, TV and film production, as well as |
| and development work done in this region has led | | | | other media industries, is all flourishing in the |
| the Government to conclude that utilising nuclear | | | | region, thanks to Science and Technology. |
| energy is part of a viable solution to meeting the | | | | 9. As well as looking to the future, the |
| energy needs of the UK. | | | | region’s scientific history is preserved |
| 5. There are over 50 research institutes, many of | | | | through museums such as the World Museum in |
| them multi-institutional, as well as traditional R&D | | | | Liverpool, Quarry Bank Mill in Styal, Cheshire, and |
| departments. The North West is home to the | | | | Wigan Pier. Visual displays as well as hands-on |
| Research and Development departments of | | | | activities, demonstrations and different media |
| several of the worlds leading companies, and | | | | show how Science and Technology has changed |
| business R&D investment in this region is greater | | | | our lives, from mechanising everyday tasks to |
| than in any other part of the world except Asia. | | | | revolutionising manufacturing methods. |
| Recent reports show that 4 of the top 10 | | | | 10. As well as the outstanding Science and |
| companies by R&D spending have significant | | | | Technology facilities, the North West is a popular |
| facilities in the North West. Pharmaceutical | | | | business location thanks to its fantastic |
| development, including the largest cancer drug | | | | infrastructure. Within reach of 3 international |
| research centre in the UK, Aerospace Businesses, | | | | airports, and a great motorway system, the |
| manufacturers of consumer products, as well as | | | | North West is closer than you may think. In |
| the Chemistry Industry and Nuclear Energy are | | | | addition, the North West has many Areas of |
| well represented in the North West. | | | | Natural Outstanding Beauty and the standard of |
| 6. The North West’s seven science parks | | | | living is high. |